Reign of Shadows - Deborah Chester [91]
“Come, girl!” she said. “Don’t hang back and call undue attention to yourself. You delay the proceedings.”
Elandra’s resentment burned even hotter. She was tempted to stay where she was, but with everyone looking at her she had little choice but to walk forward. Hecati was making sure she got off on the wrong foot with the Penestricans, and there was little Elandra could do about it right now.
Although miserable, she walked with her head high. She did not pick up her skirts and run to join the others, although Hecati snapped her fingers again. Instead, Elandra kept her steps modest and graceful as befitting a lady. If it was the only way in which she could defy Hecati, then she would do it.
She came up behind Hecati and stopped, grateful for the veil that hid her burning face from Anas’s clear blue eyes.
The deputy stared at her for a long moment without expression.
“May I also introduce the Lady Elandra,” the general said into the awkward silence.
Anas inclined her head graciously. “You are also bid welcome to our walls, Lady Elandra.”
Bixia began to fidget and sigh. “We’ve had a very long, uncomfortable journey. May we have refreshment?”
Behind her veil, Elandra gasped at Bixia’s rudeness. For once Hecati made no attempt to correct her charge or to smooth over the matter.
A flicker of something unreadable passed across Anas’s face. “Of course,” she said pleasantly. “Everything has been prepared for you.” She shifted her gaze and smiled perfunctorily. “General, according to our rules, no man may step past this point.”
He bowed hastily and moved back a step. “Yes, Deputy Anas.”
“At the base of the mountain is plentiful grass for the horses and forage for the elephants. You will find excellent camping sites near the stream. Please do not allow your men to ascend the mountain again until it is time for these sisters to depart from us.”
He bowed again. “As you wish.”
Turning smartly on his heel, he strode away. Orders rang out. The elephants were unwilling to move, but with much shouting and noise they were turned about and the guardsmen headed down the road. The mound of luggage stood abandoned and forlorn.
“That will be seen to later,” Anas said. Stepping aside, she gestured gracefully. “Come.”
Bixia gathered up her skirts with an ill-natured huff. “Why didn’t you lay out a carpet? These old steps are so rough they’ll snag my slippers. Must we climb all these steps? I would prefer to be carried.”
Again, Hecati made no effort to correct her. Elandra frowned at the woman, but Hecati seemed lost in thought. It was strange behavior for her. Usually she would be fawning and flattering, doing her best to make sure Bixia charmed everyone.
Anas seemed impervious to Bixia’s rudeness. “There is no one to carry you. Come.”
She started up with Bixia at her heels. Hecati was next and Elandra last.
The cloud still obscured the sun, and indeed it seemed darker than ever. The burning candles in the sisters’ handsflickered and blazed, although the wind did not put them out.
The steps were very steep and worn. Halfway up some were broken, making the footing treacherous. Trying to get a better grip on her long skirts, which were billowing in the wind, Elandra tripped slightly on her hem and pitched forward. To save herself, she put her hand against the small of Hecati’s back for just a second to regain her balance.
Hecati jumped as though startled, and two candles in the hands of the sisters on either side of her went out with loud pops. Hecati loosed a low, strange cry—almost a moan. The timbre of the sound made goosebumps stand up on Elandra’s arms.
At the head of the line, Anas was already turning back. She pushed past Bixia without a word and came gliding swiftly down the steps. Her face was set implacably.
Elandra tried to back away from Hecati, who was still making that eerie sound like a cornered animal. But the two Penestricans with the wooden staffs stood behind Elandra, crossing their staffs to block the way down. Their faces were harsh and suddenly hostile.
Alarm ran through Elandra.